Batesian mimicry

Bates·i·an mimicry

a kind of mimicry in which one species, to make itself less vulnerable to a particular predator, imitates the structure and coloration of another species that is unpalatable, difficult to capture, etc.

Origin of Batesian mimicry

after H. W. Bates (1825-92), Eng naturalistl

Batesian mimicry

noun

A form of protective mimicry, especially in insects, in which a species that is palatable or harmless closely resembles an unpalatable or harmful species and therefore is avoided by predators.